Certificate in Dental Science (CDS), is based on the academic requirements to provide basic dental/oral health care services as a health professional Dental Hygiene graduates will be able to work as Dental Hin the hospital and clinical settings under the supervision of the Dental Surgeon and also will be able to serve in the community..
After completion of the course, the graduate is expected to perform the duty of hospital and clinic assistant as assigned by the Nepal Health Professional Council independently in different health institutions in Nepal and abroad.
Some of the services provided by dental hygienists may include:
- Patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure and pulse
- Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
- Removing calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth
- Applying preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides)
- teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health;
(e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling)
- Counseling patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health
- making impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts (models of teeth used by dentists to evaluate patient treatment needs)
- Performing documentation and office management activities
- Dental hygienists can apply their skills and knowledge to other career activities such as teaching hygiene students in dental schools and dental hygiene education programs.
- Research, office management and business administration are other career options.
- Employment opportunities also may be available with companies that market dental-related materials and equipment.
Scope and Opportunities
Dental Hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral disease both to protect teeth and gums and also to protect patient’s total health. In additional to treating patients directly, dental hygienists may also work as educators, researchers and administration.